Riparian Buffers are undisturbed, protected areas along streams and ponds. They are required by State and Local Regulations. Wake County's local ordinance is set forth in Article 11 of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and enforced by the Planning Department. For more information on Code Enforcement, please contact Planning at 919-856-6310.
Buffers are divided into zones. In the zone closest to the streambank, vegetation should remain undisturbed; however, nuisance vegetation such as poison ivy and non-native invasive plants may be removed. Replanting is encouraged – please refer to Guidelines for Riparian Buffer Restoration. For allowable uses within buffers, please refer to Article 11 of the Wake County UDO or the Neuse Buffer Rules.
For buffer approval or permits, please contact NC DEQ Raleigh Regional Office, 3800 Barrett Drive, Raleigh.
919-791-4200
Fax: 919-571-4718